What To Do When Your Child Has a Dental Emergency

Children, especially the younger ones, are prone to accidents. Since their reflexes are not as quick as teenagers’ or adults’, they tend to damage their teeth when they fall face-flat on the ground. As parents or guardians, we don’t want to see them in pain.  However, dental emergencies are unavoidable at this point in their lives, so we should be ready should such instances arise.

 

Knocked-Out Tooth (Dental Avulsion)

If your child’s tooth had been knocked-out of his or her mouth completely, it is best to contact Pickering Square Dental immediately. Time is an important factor in saving a tooth. Dentists, in general, do not attempt to re-implant primary (baby) teeth because the procedure itself might cause damage to the tooth bud. While you are not with Dr. Marvin Lean and his team, it is best to recover the tooth. Be careful not to touch the root, just handle the crown carefully. Gently rinse off the tooth with water but do not scrub the tooth. Keep the tooth wet ( a glass of milk is ideal) during transportation as moisture is important for the tooth to be re-implanted successfully.

 

Toothache

This is common in children of all ages and it rarely occurs without cause. If pain persists, give us a call. Some common causes of toothache are tooth decay, tooth trauma, tooth fractures, and wisdom teeth eruption (for adolescents). You can help your child relieve the pain by cleansing the area using warm water. It is best to hold off medication if you haven’t seen your dentist. Apply cold compress to the affected area in order to reduce the swelling.

 

Dental Intrusion

When a child gets into an accident and causes dental trauma, this might force a tooth (or several teeth) upwards into the jawbone. The force of trauma could be great enough to injure the tooth’s ligament, and fracturing its socket. It’s important to rinse your child’s mouth with cold water and apply cold compress around the affected areas to reduce swelling. Make sure to call us right away to completely relieve your child of the pain.

 

Tooth Displacement (Extrusion, Luxation, Lateral Displacement)

Tooth displacement depends on how the tooth is angled following the trauma. Extrusion implicates that the tooth has become partly removed from its socket. Dental treatment should be sought for permanent teeth that have been displaced in order to attempt whenever possible to save the tooth as well as prevent infection. Apply cold, moist compress on the affected area and offer pain relief that has been approved by paediatricians.

 

Broken Tooth

Dr. Marvin Lean and our Professional Dental Team can easily assess the severity of a fracture by the use of dental X-rays. If there are any changes in tooth color, this indicates an emergency warning sign. While you are on your way to our office, make sure to apply cold, moist compress on the affected area to reduce swelling.  Do not wait another day to have this looked by the dentist.

 

There are other dental emergencies that your child can experience. Make sure to consult us right away to prevent any further damage or infection from developing. We here at Pickering Square Dental and serve Durham and surrounding areas for their Emergency Dental needs. 

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our emergency dental care at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

Family Dental Clinic

For more information, visit the Health Canada Children’s Dental Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Stop Taking Your Teeth for Granted

Strong and healthy teeth are more than just aides in the digestive process of chewing and breaking down food. They are also more than just making you more attractive – a healthy and beautiful smile allows a person to speak and eat with confidence. This is why teeth should not be taken for granted. Many predisposing factors can lead to tooth loss such as cavities, gum diseases and other repercussions of good oral hygiene negligence.  Once you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone and gums also distort and shrink as the area heals – that affects your appearance and bite.

Unfortunately, many people are affected by the loss of one or more teeth. The good news is that due to technological advancements in dentistry, you can get help in fixing your smile! You will also be allowed to enjoy and eat the foods that you have been deprived of for years. Dental implants provide foundation of support for artificial teeth – this makes you feel confident and comfortable as you flash a smile or eat in public.

Teeth Replacements
If you are missing one or more teeth, it is best that you consider getting implants or bridges as replacements at the soonest time possible. Why?  Implants have a natural feel and look – they are also the most attractive and most comfortable replacements for missing teeth. Teeth lost due to gum disease, decay, and trauma can be replaced by implants or bridges.
 
Quality of Life
The best thing about these implants is that they distribute chewing forces throughout the jawbone. This minimizes the wearing away of the bone when some teeth are missing. Patients who have received implants or bridges testify that they notice a major improvement in the quality of living because they again found the confidence to smile and chew like they used to.

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our dental implant services at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

smiling

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Emergency Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, dental abscess, and lost fillings or crowns all qualify as dental emergencies. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 for same-day emergency care.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?

While the ER can manage pain and infection, they typically cannot perform dental procedures. A dental office like Pickering Square Dental is better equipped to treat the underlying cause. We reserve same-day appointments for emergencies.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in milk or saliva. Get to our Pickering office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Why Root Canal Therapy Is More Important Than You Think

Family Dental

Male dentist working on teeth inside a mouth with an instrumentRoot canal is probably one of the most dreaded procedures of dental patients. However, it really is not that bad… root canal definitely relieves you from a nagging toothache and infection or abscess.  Teeth are meant to last for a lifetime, however, inevitable injuries or deep cavity damages the teeth. Thus, the insides of the teeth become infected. Root canal is a procedure that saves teeth by removal of bacteria and decay. 

Signs and Symptoms

Damaged and infected teeth that are not treated with root canal therapy will eventually abscess and would need extraction (removal). Some patients think that the extraction of damaged tooth is the best solution; however, tooth extraction might actually cause more significant problems for the adjacent teeth. Some of the signs and symptoms for requiring root canal therapy are:

  • Persistent and severe toothache
  • Sensitivity to cold and hot
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Abscess on gums
  • Swelling or tenderness
  • Irritation in the surrounding gum tissue
  • Visible signs of infection on X-rays
  • Foul taste or odour in the mouth

In the worst cases of infection, bacteria tend to reproduce to an extent that they can cause problems in other areas of the body. For example, bacteria can enter the blood stream through the bleeding and/or inflamed gums around the affected tooth – this can cause cardiovascular problems. In other cases, bacteria might cause a suppressed immune system, complications with pregnancy, diabetes, as well as digestive problems to name a few. 

Why is it necessary?

Each tooth is made up of three primary components:

  • hard outside layer (enamel)
  • soft middle layer (dentin)
  • inner layer of soft tissue (dental pulp)

The dental pulp is made up of blood vessels, nerve fibres, and lymph tissue. Root canal therapy might be required if decay has reached the pulp and the abscess or infection has reached either inside the tooth or at the tip of the root. If left untreated, the damaged pulp causes significant infection that eventually damages the bone around the tooth – this causes the death of the tooth. If you have damaged pulp, the infection can cause serious health problems such as cardiovascular issues – all without root canal therapy. 

Post-Root Canal Procedure

After the procedure, expect one or two days of soreness. Your dentist will definitely prescribe pain relievers in those first few days, and may give you an antibiotic(s) to fight off any residual bacteria. Once you’re relieved of the pain, you might be tempted to skip out on your scheduled follow-up visits. Make sure you don’t do that. Regular trips to the dentist are essential in ensuring that you have good oral health. This also prevents you from having to undergo another root canal procedure. Make sure you do your part. 

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our root canal therapy at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

Tooth Coloured Fillings — Pickering, ON

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Emergency Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, dental abscess, and lost fillings or crowns all qualify as dental emergencies. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 for same-day emergency care.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?

While the ER can manage pain and infection, they typically cannot perform dental procedures. A dental office like Pickering Square Dental is better equipped to treat the underlying cause. We reserve same-day appointments for emergencies.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in milk or saliva. Get to our Pickering office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can come out of nowhere.  A bad slip that lands you on your face, biting down on something you weren’t expecting, or some form of freak accident could cause you severe dental or oral distress.  When incidents like this happen you should seek a dental professional as soon as possible and in the meantime do what you can to try to mitigate the issue.  Here are some common dental emergencies and how to deal with them.

Pain or Bleeding

For toothaches call your dentist and explain the nature of the pain and any other symptoms you might be experiencing.  It is likely they’ll be able to give you some advice and that should be adhered to. 

If you find yourself bleeding from your gums, tongue, or lip, apply pressure with a clean cloth.  For swelling use an ice pack to try to keep it down.  The bleeding should stop relatively quickly but if it does not seek help at a hospital Emergency room.

Damaged Teeth

If a tooth is fully knocked out of your mouth pick it up and examine it.  If it appears clean and intact you can attempt to put it back in its socket.  If this is not possible for whatever reason gently rinse it with milk or water and place it in a container of cold milk and seek out dental assistance right away.  Within two hours – and preferably within ten minutes – the tooth has the potential to take root again.  After that the odds are decreased.

Broken teeth or dental work can usually be repaired.  For lost fillings you can safely secure the area by placing a piece of sugar free gum in the cavity until you can see dentist – which should be as soon as possible.

Dental emergencies can be stressful and scary but with the knowledge above you’ll know how to take action as you seek out dental help.  If you have a dental issue, emergency or not, contact Pickering Square Dental today.

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our emergency dental care at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

Dental Crown

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Emergency Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, dental abscess, and lost fillings or crowns all qualify as dental emergencies. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 for same-day emergency care.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?

While the ER can manage pain and infection, they typically cannot perform dental procedures. A dental office like Pickering Square Dental is better equipped to treat the underlying cause. We reserve same-day appointments for emergencies.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in milk or saliva. Get to our Pickering office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Three Tips for Improving Results of Emergency Dental Treatment This Winter

Pickering Square Dental logo

It can happen at a moment’s notice. A quick bite down and all of a sudden a tooth is broken in several pieces. This is the type of emergency dental issue that many thousands of Canadians encounter each year. The majority are unprepared for this type of dental care challenge when it arises. By utilizing the following three tips, Canadians can improve the results of their emergency dental treatment and enjoy the remaining winter-time with family and friends.

 

1) Conduct a Quick Review and Contact Dentist’s Office Immediately

 

When responding to a dental emergency, the speed of the response is one of the critical factors in the success of any future treatment. But before contacting their local dentist, patients should first analyze the extent of their emergency. It’s important to know whether the problem is a chipped tooth, a painful abscess or a lost filling, for example. Each of these emergency issues is separated by the extent of any future damage.

 

A cracked tooth might be repaired a week after it occurs, while a possible jaw fracture should be reviewed immediately to prevent permanent damage and excruciating pain. Once the problem has been assessed and determined to be an emergency, patients must contact the dentist’s office to schedule an appointment immediately.

 

2) Only Use Dentist-Recommended Pharmaceuticals

 

Dental patients can often exacerbate their dental emergency by using pharmaceutical products that have not been recommended by a professional within the dental field. An example often used within the dental care field is aspirin. Many patients take aspirin when they have a toothache or a broken tooth. But aspirin can actually inflame gum tissue in some patients. Therefore, it’s recommended to only use pharmaceutical products when they’ve been recommended by an emergency dentistry specialist. This can help patients reduce their recovery period and mitigate risks associated with adding to their dental issues.

 

3) Rinse Detached Teeth in Water before the Emergency Visit

 

For those who have had teeth knocked out of their mouth, it’s important to rinse the tooth or teeth in cold water and place it in a cup of milk as quickly as possible and before visiting the dentist’s emergency clinic. This will prevent the tooth from drying during the journey.  Oftentimes, those who lose their teeth try to scrub dirt and other contaminants from the tooth before they store it for traveling to their dentist.  However, scrubbing teeth can remove integral tissue.

 

By acting quickly and following the advice of the professionals leading the dental field, patients can achieve exceptional results with their emergency dental care.  To learn more on how to respond during a dental care emergency, speak with our expert emergency dental treatment team today. 

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our emergency dental care at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

dental filling

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Emergency Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, dental abscess, and lost fillings or crowns all qualify as dental emergencies. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 for same-day emergency care.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?

While the ER can manage pain and infection, they typically cannot perform dental procedures. A dental office like Pickering Square Dental is better equipped to treat the underlying cause. We reserve same-day appointments for emergencies.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in milk or saliva. Get to our Pickering office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

What To Do In A Dental Emergency

A moment that you never want to experience is going through a situation that necessitates an immediate visit to a Dentist. Our day-to-day lives can be vastly unpredictable, and although we don’t want to even think about circumstances like this, it’s very important to know about what you should do during these unexpected occurrences.  Dental emergencies can be adequately managed as long as you keep a cool head, and know the right steps to take.  At this time, we’re going to look at what you should do in a dental emergency.

What To Do In A Dental Emergency

We’ve listed some helpful tips on what to do in a dental emergency below:

-Get some gauze and apply some light pressure on the affected area to help stop any bleeding.

-In case you’ve chipped or lost a tooth, try to quickly locate it. Once you’ve found it, put it into a small glass or container with cold milk to keep it safe, and bring it with you to a dentist.

-Schedule an appointment with a highly regarded dental office, such as Pickering Square Dental.  Be sure to tell the receptionist that it’s a dental emergency so they can schedule you as soon as possible.  With the assistance of an experienced dentist, you can get the proper help that you need during a dental emergency!

A reputable dental clinic that's been highly praised for over 25 years is Pickering Square Dental.  This family dentistry location provides all visitors, from children to seniors, with a comfortable, soothing environment.  Whether you want to watch TV or listen to music, these dental experts will help you relax while they take proper care of your teeth.  On top of the multitude of services that are available to patients, Pickering Square Dental also offers laser dentistry!  To learn more about this popular dental clinic, check out pickeringsquaredental.com.

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our emergency dental care at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

Family Dental

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Emergency Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, dental abscess, and lost fillings or crowns all qualify as dental emergencies. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 for same-day emergency care.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?

While the ER can manage pain and infection, they typically cannot perform dental procedures. A dental office like Pickering Square Dental is better equipped to treat the underlying cause. We reserve same-day appointments for emergencies.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in milk or saliva. Get to our Pickering office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Dental Emergencies & Children: What To Do With A Sports Related Oral Injury This Spring

Dental Emergencies & Children: What To Do With A Sports Related Oral Injury This Spring

Children love to play. It’s a fact. We can sometimes look on in awe as we see the amount of energy that these pint-sized human beings have in them! A great outlet for our youth to burn energy while building on important skills such as proper communication, perseverance, and hand-eye coordination is sports. Whether it’s ice hockey, soccer, baseball, or basketball, injuries can be quite prevalent during these physical activities. A common case that impacts children that are participating in a physical activity is an oral injury.

Dental Emergencies & Children: What To Do With A Sports Related Oral Injury This Spring

Listed below are some important steps that you should take if your child suffers an oral injury:

-First of all, call the office of a reputable dental clinic, such as Pickering Square Dental, to promptly schedule an appointment. They’re quite familiar with oral injuries from sporting activities, since they’re the trusted dentists for the Toronto Maple Leafs! You can contact Pickering Square Dental by dialing 905-420-1777.

-If your child’s mouth is bleeding, apply adequate pressure to the wound. This can help you stop the bleeding, and calm your child down.

-If your child loses a tooth while playing a sport, do your best to locate the tooth immediately. Prepare a glass of milk (or a salt water solution), and place the tooth in there. Call a dental clinic and let them know about the situation so they can schedule your child for an appointment as soon as possible.

-In case your child loses a filling, tell your child to avoid chewing on the tooth. They should also avoid any hot or cold foods- this will prevent them from experiencing additional pain.

If you have any questions regarding oral injuries, feel free to contact Pickering Square Dental– praised by patients for over 25 years! This reputable family dentistry location provides all visitors, from children to seniors, with a comfortable, soothing environment. Whether you want to watch TV or listen to music, these dental experts will help you relax while they take proper care of your teeth. On top of the multitude of services that are available to patients, Pickering Square Dental also offers laser dentistry! To learn more about this popular dental clinic, check out pickeringsquaredental.com.

Helpful Resources

Dental Check-Up

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Emergency Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, dental abscess, and lost fillings or crowns all qualify as dental emergencies. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 for same-day emergency care.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?

While the ER can manage pain and infection, they typically cannot perform dental procedures. A dental office like Pickering Square Dental is better equipped to treat the underlying cause. We reserve same-day appointments for emergencies.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in milk or saliva. Get to our Pickering office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.